This analysis
explored the relationship between family variables and
adolescents' sexual behavior. Latino (n = 224) and Anglo (n
= 160) teens completed an interview concerning their sexual
practices and social and family background. Adolescents
reported a mean of 4.48 (SD = 3.24) on the sexual activity
scale (petting inside of clothes); 29.9% reported some form
of sexual intercourse. Sexual behavior was regressed on
family variables, and a multiple R of .55, which explained
30% of the variance in sexual behavior, was obtained. The
variables that accounted for most of the explained variance
were: adolescent's age (positive), mother's attitude about
the adolescent having sex (positive), following dating rules
(negative), and mother's attitude to wait until married for
intercourse (negative). It was concluded that the family
influence component of the model was a moderately important
contributor to the development of sexual behavior in
adolescents. Results suggest that conservative maternal
attitudes about sex and the presence of dating rules that
are followed (or enforced) delay the development of sexual
behavior.